Bands of America (BOA) hosted one of many regional marching band competitions here in Florida at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Oct. 20, 2023. Along with Newsome High School’s Wolfpack Marching Band and Colorguard attending, there were various well-known, amazing bands performing as well. 

   Out of 30 high school bands that attended this competition from all over the country, a few prestigious ones included Stoneman Douglas, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, and The Pride of Broken Arrow. Each band put on an amazing performance that left the large crowd in absolute awe, especially those of Tarpon Springs and Broken Arrow. 

   Tarpon Springs’ 2023 show “The Other Side” featured trippy visuals with a variety of box props that moved during the show, and, at some points, contained band members. It was definitely a show to remember, with amazing choreo, props, and visual/musical effects. Tarpon Springs is known for their high-energy performances, as well as their award of Bands of America Grand National Champions in 2014 and WGI Scholastic World Champions in both 2014 and 2016.

   Broken Arrow (Oklahoma) performed their show entitled “A Timeless Journey” without props due to their travel across the country. Even without props, their show certainly left the audience in amazement and was arguably the most influential on both the audience and other bands during this competition. The entire stadium anxiously awaited their performance throughout the day, as Broken Arrow is known as a 16-time Grand National Finalist and their performing abilities. 

   With such amazing bands competing, it was bound to be tight during finals. Although Newsome’s band did not make finals, the band sincerely cheered on the 12 bands who did. Ultimately, the top three were decided as Owasso (Oklahoma), Broken Arrow coming in second, and Tarpon Springs was awarded Grand Champion. This came as a shock to many, as people expected Broken Arrow to win the competition but ultimately came second to Tarpon Springs.

   Each band should be extremely proud of their performance and work, and all remained respectful. A day of marching is certainly one to enjoy, and enjoy people did! For more information on BOA results, visit https://marching.musicforall.org/